Pre-Registration

Pre-REGISTRATION

7TH GRADE PRE-REGISTRATION

Your child will begin the registration process at his/her elementary school. The teachers and staff at the elementary level have been most helpful in evaluating, recommending academic levels for each student so that they will be placed in a program that will best help them receive a quality education.

The academic program of Waianae Intermediate reflects the educational objectives and policies of the Department of Education. Every 7th grader must be enrolled in the following basic program:

All students have equal access to courses, programs and services of this school without regard to sex. The basic program of a 7th grader does not allow for a lot of student electives but we feel that the students need to have a firm foundation to build upon. They will have more choices as an 8th grader after completing a structured 7th grade year.

ELECTIVES AVAILABLE TO 7TH GRADERS

ART

This course is an introductory art course that gives students an opportunity to explore the discipline of visual arts. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary; however, students of all skill levels are welcome! In this class, students will have the freedom to explore creativity and imagination, discover their personal artistic interests, and unlock their own potential as budding artists. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to create art through drawing and painting that they never thought possible. With the skills and knowledge they will learn in this class, each student will walk out of art with strong foundational drawing and painting skills and knowledge that they can use to apply to their own creative expression both in and out of the classroom.

BEGINNING BAND

Students in beginning band (or band I) learn how to read music and will eventually learn the basics of an instrument in either the woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone), brass (French horn, trumpet, baritone, trombone, tuba) or percussion (snare/bass drum, timpani, bells/xylo, etc.).

No knowledge of music is necessary. Students will learn about pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, timbre, dynamics and form. They will also learn about responsibility, teamwork, integrity, sensitivity, tenacity, and culture, as band teaches and needs all of these things. Practices and concerts are required, as they are used in the grading process. Any missed rehearsal or performance will negatively affect the students’ grade. Missed rehearsals can be excused with a written, signed note by a parent or guardian, preferably before missed date. A missed performance might require the student to perform the music in class, or a typed essay on a subject of the director’s choosing. The beginning band performs in two school concerts: the winter and spring concerts, and will usually also participate in an event known as the “O’ahu Band Directors Association’s Parade of Beginning and Intermediate Bands” in the 2nd semester.

Students are asked to buy basic band materials (book, band shirt, mouthpieces, sticks, etc.) as needed for their instrument and participation in performances.

Interested students also have the option of possibly joining the high school marching band, which does parades and is learning how to do ‘field’ shows. This activity is not required, but students who commit will be given extra credit.

CHORUS I

Only for students who would like to sing and perform. The requirements are good behavior and attitude, and the student must audition and be selected by the instructor. Emphasis is placed on correct vocal production, breath support and control, singing many types and arrangements of song, and experience in choral performance. The chorus will perform several programs during the school year, and special rehearsals will be required. All students may be required to PURCHASE a uniform shirt for performances.

HEALTH

Students will be introduced to the Seven Health RISK Content Areas, which are also viewed as Seven Hidden Traps placing their health and also the health of others in danger. Students are made aware and taught the skills for equipping their life with proper knowledge to give them power to make healthier choices through the skills of understanding how to use the Seven Health Standards as a way to keep them from falling into these “destructive” traps. If RULES are followed, the reward is FREEDOM from unnecessary illness, injuries, diseases, and other health related problems. The instructor’s hope is for each student by the end of this Semester Course to realize the seriousness of their health, and how they must become a responsible guardian over their life as they are BUILDING THEIR FUTURE at this very moment whether they realize it or not through their daily thoughts, motives, and actions.

KEYBOARDING

This course is designed to teach students to use all 10 fingers to type on a computer keyboard. Formatting of letters and other pieces of writing will be taught.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The secondary Physical Education program is organized around course study by semester. Middle schools (grades 6-8) offer courses that allow all students to meet the grades 6 to 8 cluster benchmarks. The intermediate or middle level Physical Education courses emphasize the application of a variety of movement forms (locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulatives) in a wide range of adapted and modified games and activities. Physical Education provides opportunities to apply combinations of movement forms starting at a basic level and working towards more complex and changing situations. By the end of the 8th grade, Physical Education students will have acquired many of the specialized skills required to participate in a variety of recreational, fitness, and sport activities. In addition, Physical Education courses enable students to make the connections between physical activity and the many health-enhancing benefits of exercise. Students will develop a working knowledge of a variety of training and conditioning principles to choose activities and exercises that improve health-related fitness.

We are asking that parents of 6th grade students take the time to go over the options on the electives and help their child choose between Band I, Chorus, and Health, Physical Education, and Keyboarding. Fill out the pre-registration card (both sides). The courses that both of you choose will not be easily changed. The responsibility of the choice will rest with the student. We, at Waianae Intermediate, feel that your interest in your child's future will have positive effects in years to come.

8TH GRADE REQUIREMENTS AND ELECTIVES

1 year of Mathematics

1 year of English Language Arts

1 year of 8th grade Social Studies (US History)

1 year of Earth and Space Science

1 year of Band I or Band II or 1 year of Chorus II or

2 semesters of PE, Intro to Computing, Intro to Tech Ed, or General Music

ELECTIVES AVAILABLE FOR 8TH GRADE STUDENTS

(Courses are subject to changes)

BEGINNING BAND

This is an introductory course for 8th graders who wants to learn a basic foundation of music through the use of an instrument. Basic note reading, rhythms, and tonal conceptions will be taught through the use of a method book. All students are required to PURCHASE his/her mouth-pieces/drumsticks depending on the instrument selected. Students passing selected numbers will perform for the Annual Spring Concert. See the description above for Beginning Band. (YEAR)

ADVANCED BAND

Students in the advanced band (or band II), have completed at least one year of music study, either at WIS or comparable school. Parents and students unsure of their level of ability and/or knowledge should see the band director who will decide the student’s proper class placement. Every topic learned in the 1st year of band will be discussed and performed in further detail. The music repertoire difficulty will range from level II to III and higher, and the rhythms learned will go to Level IV (compound rhythms) and higher.

Advanced band rehearsals are Tuesdays and Fridays after school, from 3:15pm to 5:15pm, usually starting five to six weeks before a performance. If an advanced band member wishes to be a part of the high school marching band, they will have to see the high school director for more details.

Students will use a special blue aloha shirt that can either be borrowed from the school and used without cost (the band has many shirts and sizes available), or if a new shirt is desired, it can be bought (and kept) for $25 - $30 (depending on size). Along with the shirt, black pants, socks and shoes make up the standard performance uniform.

All other topics, including general grading policies are the same as for the beginning band. Any topic not covered here may be found in the handouts given at the beginning of the year or from the band director, if you have any questions. (YEAR)

CHORUS II

Only for students who would like to sing and perform. The requirements are good behavior and attitude and the student must audition and be selected by the instructor. Emphasis is placed on correct vocal production, breath support and control, singing many types and arrangements of song, and experience in choral performance. The chorus will perform several programs during the school year and special rehearsals will be required. (A year course with selection by the chorus teacher). (YEAR)

DIRECTED STUDY IN MUSIC

This course is provided to meet the unique interests and skills of students through independent or group study. With the approval and guidance of the teacher, a student develops a project or plan to study to pursue his or her specialized area of interest consistent with music standards. (Year)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This course will cover a variety of sports and games such as cage ball, volleyball, archery, recreational sports (i.e. steal-the-bacon, stickball, long-base soccer, ping-pong) stunts and tumbling, and trampoline. (SEMESTER)

INTRO TO TECH ED

This “shop” class is intended to provide students with the fundamentals of safety and proper etiquette when using tool and the correct use of power and non-power tools. Students will plan and create trinkets and other fun and interesting objects. The projects will be left to the discretion of the instructor. (SEMESTER)

GENERAL MUSIC

Four basic topics are covered in this class: I) Fundamentals of music - in this section, you will learn about how to read music, the instrument families and types of music

throughout history. 2) Ukulele – the basics of this instrument are covered, from its history to how to play chords and pick melodies. 3) Voice - students will learn about singing and how to use their voice better. For all above topics, many different styles will be listened to and evaluated, providing a chance to broaden musical experiences. No music experience is necessary. (SEMESTER)

INTRO TO GRAPHIC ARTS

This course provides students with opportunities to explore art and computer technology in leadership to develop a unique blend of skills that may be translated to computer. Students will learn to computer software, techniques, and strategies to enhance, modify, or create two- and three- dimensional digital art. Activities may be applied to graphic arts for printing posters. Issues and topics on standards, ethics, and qualifications for computer art will also be addressed. (SEMESTER)

EXPLORATIONS IN MEDIA PRODUCTION

Explorations in Media Production is an elective introductory course which focuses on the three components: pre-production, production and post-production. Pre-production consists of planning for a project: brainstorming, research and creating a shot list or storyboard. Production involves the actual filming of video clips. Post-production is the process of editing a video project. Students in this class run a live daily morning bulletin broadcast and must be willing to appear live on closed circuit television. Students will also create videos for the school, video contests and for PBS Hawaii's Hiki Nō program. Media students must be self-directed, be able to work with others and also be complex thinkers. Students should also have a strong desire to produce quality work which means re-doing work until it is of professional quality.